In an episode heavy on action with appearances by several of its mutant warriors, “The Legend of Kuro Kabuto” explains the importance of the helm which was crafted by Koga Takuza (the greatest leader of the Foot Clan) more than 1,500 years ago. Over the course of the episode Leonardo and his brothers manage to trick their adversaries on multiple occasions, finally making it out with the helmet.

Leonardo’s plan to trade the helmet for Karai puts Leo, Michelangelo (Greg Cipes), Donatello (Rob Paulsen), and Raphael (Sean Astin) in a battle with the Shredder. Four-to-one odds sounds pretty good, but the Turtles barely make it out with their lives and who they believe to be Karai only to find that the Shredder not only bested them in combat but is a worthy advesarty in deception as well.